In our efforts to manage the administrative threats surrounding COVID-19, our hiring process continues, however, we will discontinue processing applications for the summer Honors Internship Program. Thank you for bearing with us as we work through this unforeseen challenge. Internship applicants and participants, please refer to the Students Page for updated information.

FBI surveillance professionals must be willing and able to work in both environments.

To apply, candidates interested in mobile surveillance should submit their applications to the Investigative Specialist position. Candidates interested in fixed surveillance should submit their applications to the Surveillance Specialist position. Keep in mind the positions may not always be available. Please check back regularly to view open positions.

Duties and Qualifications

Surveillance Duties and Qualifications

FBI surveillance professionals are generally responsible for, but not limited to, the following duties:

Conducting physical and electronic surveillance related to the Foreign Counterintelligence (FCI) and Counterterrorism functions of the FBI.

Photographing cars, subjects, and establishments, and using discretion in order not to arouse the suspicion of the subjects or others who are in the general area at the time.

Collecting and documenting information related to the identification of targets and related subjects.

Being assigned to cases that may extend for months and require considerable familiarity with the subject(s).

Training in covert techniques.

Enabling follow-up activities as needed to support investigations.

Documenting activities of targets without detection and preparing detailed record logs showing data as to times, places, physical conditions and related information.

Candidates interested in surveillance careers must meet the following qualifications:

Willingness to relocate to any field office within the FBI.

Readiness to travel frequently to fulfill duty assignments.

Willing and medically able to accept assignments indoors, outdoors and in a wide range of weather conditions and situations.

Available to work nights, weekends, holidays, odd hours and extended shifts as deemed necessary.

Ability to exhibit considerable patience.

Detailed observation abilities.

Ability to appropriately respond to unfolding situations and think quickly on your feet.

Strong analytical abilities, communication skills and writing skills.

Exceptional attention to detail at all times and remaining attentive throughout long periods of inactivity.

Ability to blend seamlessly into a crowd to observe subjects.

Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.

A valid driver’s license for the state in which the candidate resides.

Experience working with photography and other electronic equipment.

In addition to the above qualifications, surveillance applicants must also meet the FBI’s employment eligibility requirements and undergo a thorough FBI background investigation.

Physical Requirements

Physical Requirements

Successful candidates for surveillance roles must have 20/20 corrected vision in one eye and no less than 20/40 in the other eye. In addition to a color vision test, the candidate must also pass a hearing exam.

Candidates’ past medical history will also be reviewed for any significant medical conditions that could preclude or limit an applicant’s ability to fulfill the requirements of the position. These preexisting medical conditions may include, but are not limited to, seizure disorder, uncontrolled diabetes (with or without insulin dependency), cardiac problems, active communicable diseases, certain pulmonary diseases and psychiatric or psychological disorders. The candidate’s overall medical suitability will be subject to approval by the FBI’s Chief Medical Officer.